Fine solids recovery system, method and pick-up wand

ABSTRACT

A fine solids recovery system including a high pressure pump and a pick-up wand that is intended to be inserted into a liquid containing fine solids therein. The system also includes a high pressure hose having one end that is in fluid communication with the high pressure pump and a second end that is in fluid communication with the pick-up wand. There is also an exhaust hose that is in fluid communication with the pick-up wand. In operation, the high pressure pump pumps liquid though the high pressure hose and into the pick-up wand to create a vacuum therein, thereby drawing up a slurry. In certain embodiments, the exhaust hose is connected to a recovery vessel, such as an oversized container, a sealed tank, or an open-top tank. The invention also relates to a method of using such a system, as well as to the details of a pick-up wand.

The present invention relates generally a fine solids recovery systemand to a method of recovering fine solids, as well as to a pick-up wandintended to be used to recover fine solids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently, owners and users of cutting systems that use, create orresult in a spoil of sand-like media in a holding tank due to amanufacturing process find it very difficult to get the spoil (such assand, garnet, chips, grindings, etc.) out of the holding tank. Severaldifferent types of methods for such removal (recovery) are known, suchas manually shoveling the spoil, utilizing portable mechanical devices,and utilizing fixed mechanical devices that are specifically designed tobe attached to the cutting system. Each of these methods will be brieflydiscussed below, as well as some of the drawbacks of each type ofmethod.

Manually shoveling the spoil is one of the most basic methods ofremoving it from the holding tank. With the shoveling method, themanufacturing process, such as a fluid jet cutting process, needs to beinterrupted when the spoil is to be removed. Prior to starting theshoveling process, the gratings normally present on top of the recoverytank need to be removed, and the water within the recovery tank normallyneeds to be drained or pumped out. After removing the grating anddraining or pumping the water, laborers physically go into the recoverytank and shovel the spoil (such as garnet, if the application is a waterjet application) into one or more waste containers. When thecontainer(s) are filled, they are normally so heavy that they can onlybe moved by a fork truck, a crane, or other motorized device to adumping area for transport to a landfill or other disposal location.After being emptied, the waste container is returned to the work areafor refilling.

The shoveling method is slow and labor intensive. As mentioned above,the shoveling method normally requires the draining of the recovery tankand the removal and storage of the gratings. Further, when the spoilremoval process is complete, the gratings must be reinstalled, whichsometimes means welding or bolting the gratings to lock them in place.To remove the spoil, the workers must be willing to get wet and dirty,and usually boots and gloves are needed, and sometimes other protectiveclothing is also utilized. Depending on the material that has beenprocessed, there can be health issues related to exposure to workers whowill have a great deal of contact with the spoil. For example, inabrasive water jet operations, a basic 6 foot by 10 foot by 3 foot deeptank can contain 180 cubic feet of spoil (spent media) when full. Thatspoil (such as garnet) can weight well over 150 pounds per cubic foot,or over 24,000 pounds for a single unloading. Of course, larger tankscan hold much more, and smaller ones would hold less.

The spoil removal operation must be repeated on a ongoing basis, as aoperational water jet with a single head and a larger jet can put, forexample, between 1.00 to 1.25 pounds of garnet a minute into the tank,or as much as 75 pounds a hour, or around 600 pounds a day, or possibly3000 pounds a week. Looking at this example, shoveling would be neededabout every six to eight weeks. If this same water jet had multipleheads, the time frame between shoveling would be shortened. For example,the time between required shoveling processes with two heads might bebetween 3 to 4 weeks, and with three heads it could be between as littleas 1½ to 2 weeks. Accordingly, it should be clear that such shovelingcan easily become an expensive and time consuming process, requiringhard labor in a poor work environment where there is a likelihood ofinjury.

Some examples of portable powered removal methods will be discussednext. Many end users have tried various portable construction and rentaltools in an attempt to make the spoil removal job easier. The timeperiod between tank cleaning operations does not change when mechanicaltools are used, but part of the method does. Users have tried: tractormounted back hoes, excavators, clam buckets, rental vacuum trucks, andother portable mechanical devices to remove the spoil. With each ofthese methods, the tool must be owned or rented, the gratings need to beremoved, and the tank usually needs to be drained prior to removal.Additionally, before the job is complete, hand work or shoveling isusually the last part of this process, in order to get all the spoilmaterial out of the tank. Many tanks have supports and interior framingthat often interfere with mechanical and hand removal operations.Further, when the removal process is complete, the gratings need to bereplaced and affixed with bolts or welds, just as with the shovelingmethod.

In summary, the portable mechanical methods suffer from the followingdrawbacks, as well as others: (i) grating removal and reinstall isrequired; (ii) shut down of the cutting process is required; (iii) atleast some hours of hand labor are required; (iv) there is a poor workenvironment with many obstacles; and (v) there is a likelihood ofinjury.

Finally, there are other mechanical methods that rely on devices fixedin place. Systems used in such methods are generally at the upper end,cost-wise, of the spoil recovery/removal methods. Examples of suchmethods include several systems that pull suspended media off thesurface water of the tank water. To suspend the media, various methodsare known, such as using water jets or air jets (pulsed or continuous),as well as using other methods of agitation in order to suspend thespoil, media, or garnet. Once pulled out of the tank with pumps, thesolids must be separated from the liquid. The methods used vary fromsimple settling tanks with weirs or multiple water levels to cyclonesand other devices that use centrifugal force, or other methods, toseparate the solids from the liquid. There are also various simple airand electric pumps that can be affixed in the tank. These use differentmethods to cause the suspension of solids prior to the pumping of liquidfrom the tank for separation.

Some of the drawbacks of these fixed mechanical methods include the highstart-up cost and the high maintenance cost due to the daily servicingrequired. Any recovery system break down can cause a total system shutdown or mechanical failure if the spoil/garnet continues to be depositedwhile the recovery system is off line. Recovery systems of this typemust be operated daily or in concert with the water jet or other toolthat is depositing the spoil in the tank. The current state of the artin mechanical spoil removal systems varies in cost from just over$5000.00, for simple pumps, to well over $20000.00 for higher endcyclones, recyclers, and separators.

All pumps, cyclones, separators, and recyclers that pass thespoil/garnet/slurry trough their internals (impellers, diaphragms, etc.)have high wear issues. The slurry is very abrasive, and can quicklydamage bearings, and wear away impellers. If there is a break down andthe systems that use in-tank jets for suspension are shut down andrecovery is paused, which allows garnet build-up in the tank, thesuspension jets can be buried. Once the jets are buried, the air orwater orifices can become blocked, and in days the solids (media,garnet) will work their way into the jets, plugging them and renderingthe same useless.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a fine solidsrecovery system that includes a high pressure pump and a pick-up wandthat is configured and arranged to be inserted into a body of liquidcontaining fine solids therein. The system also includes a high pressurehose having one end that is in fluid communication with the highpressure pump and a second end that is in fluid communication with thepick-up wand. There is also an exhaust hose that is in fluidcommunication with the pick-up wand. In operation, the high pressurepump pumps high pressure liquid though the high pressure hose and intothe pick-up wand to create a vacuum within the pick-up wand, therebydrawing up a slurry of the liquid containing fine solids therein intothe pick-up wand and then through the exhaust hose. In certainembodiments, the exhaust hose is connected to a recovery vessel, such asan oversized container, a sealed tank or drum, or an open-top tank ordrum.

Additionally, certain embodiments of the present invention also relateto a pick-up wand. There is preferably a high pressure hose operativelyconnected to a source of high pressure fluid, where the high pressurehose includes an outlet end through which high pressure fluid exits.Additionally, the pick-up wand preferably includes a tube that isconfigured and arranged to transport a slurry mixture, and a nozzle thatis connected to an inlet end of the tube. The nozzle is configured andarranged to collect a slurry mixture and to pass the slurry mixture intothe tube. In use, the outlet end of the high pressure hose ispositioned, with respect to the tube and the nozzle, to provide highpressure fluid into the tube, thereby creating a vacuum within thenozzle for conveying the slurry mixture through the nozzle and into thetube. Additionally, the outlet end of the high pressure hose ispreferably located adjacent a bend in a flowpath of the slurry mixturethrough the nozzle, whereby the outlet end of the high pressure hosedoes not disrupt the flow of the slurry mixture through the nozzle.

Finally, the present invention also relates to a method of recoveringfine solids from a fluid. Preferably, the method comprises a step ofinserting a pick-up wand into a catch tank that holds a slurry of thefluid and the fine solids, wherein the pick-up wand is attached to anexhaust hose that extends between a first end that is in fluidcommunication with the pick-up wand and a second end that is in fluidcommunication with a recovery vessel. The method also includes flowinghigh pressure liquid through a high pressure hose and into the exhausthose, via the pick-up wand, to create vacuum pressure within the pick-upwand. Next, the method involves drawing up the slurry, which includessome of the fine solids along with some of the fluid, from the catchtank into the pick-up wand via the vacuum pressure. Ultimately, themethod involves conveying the drawn-up slurry through the exhaust hoseand into the recovery vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present recoverysystem utilizing an oversized container with a large surface area as arecovery vessel;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one example of a pick-up wand;

FIG. 3 shows the slurry flowpath through the pick-up wand of FIGS. 1 and2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the nozzle portion of apick-up wand;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the nozzle of FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present recoverysystem utilizing a sealed drum as a recovery vessel;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present recoverysystem utilizing a filter within a frame seated above a recovery vessel;and

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing how the present recovery systemcan be used as a dredging system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a garnet, spoil, sludgeand fine solids recovery system for extracting spent fines and smallsolids from a liquid filled holding tank or vessel, commonly referred toas a catch tank. For example, the present invention includes a systemthat allows the user to recover the spoil without shutting down theoperations that create the waste, as the present system allows thisrecovery to be accomplished by working through the slots in the gratingthat cover many recovery tanks. Certain embodiments of the presentrecovery (or extraction) system include a tubular pick-up wand with anend opening, and an internal high pressure jet that is fixed near thepick-up end of the wand and directed up the wand toward the exhaust endof the wand.

Preferred embodiments of the design of the pick-up wand eliminate theneed for tubing and/or jet outlets and/or other obstructions in theslurry path, because the jet stream is centered in the exhaust tube anddirected towards the upper end of the pick-up wand. Preferably, certainembodiments include a flexible exhaust tube (which may be, for example,several yards long), which is attached to the upper end of the pick-upwand. The jet is preferably attached to an adjustable control valve withhigh pressure tubing, and the control valve is attached to a highpressure pumping source (such as a pressure washer) with a high pressureflexible hose.

Optionally, the system may also include a second jet and a secondcontrol valve, which could be used to boost the force of the slurrypassing through the exhaust hose. For example, such a boost jet could beplaced along the exhaust hose in a location approximately ten feet fromthe pick-up wand and between approximately five to ten feet from therecovery vessel. The second jet is preferably powered by a second highpressure source (such as a pressure washer), and mounted in-line withits jet direction also pointed toward the exhaust end, similar to themanner in which the primary jet is mounted. The use of additional boostjets is also contemplated.

At the exhaust end of the exhaust hose, the preferred embodiment couldinclude an in-line diffuser, which is used to break-up the flow of thesuspended garnet (or other spoil), and to aid in the settling of solids.To extract garnet, spoil, or fine solids, a recovery vessel ispreferably placed on or near the catch tank, which is to be emptied,preferably in a position where return overflow liquid can exit back intothe catch tank.

Unlike many prior art systems that require the garnet, or other spoil,to be suspended in the tank water, embodiments of the present inventionpull fine and small solids directly from the standing tank pile or thetank bottom. The water injected towards the exhaust end by the highpressure pump and the water pulled in by the vacuum along with the finesolids creates a heavy, flowing, spent media-rich slurry that can becontrolled by the control switch to get the best flow rate to allow thesolids to settle quickly when exhausted into a transport vessel. Incertain embodiments, internal weirs, baffles and a diffuser also aid ingetting the solids to separate and settle before overflowing therecovery vessel.

The present system, unlike some other systems, utilizes high pressurewater projected up a cylinder (such as a tube), one or more optionalin-line additional boost jets, a pick-up wand and a discharge hose, incombination, to move large volumes of slurry in a short time (e.g. ashigh as 3000 lbs/hour). The pick-up wand is preferably designed so thereis no piping or jets in the flowpath of the slurry, and so the waterstream that creates the vacuum points directly up a tube at a centerline thereof. The pressure and flow rates are operator controlled byin-line control switche(s)/valve(s), and can be adjusted for maximumrecovery. The high pressure stream creates a vacuum that allows the userto directly pick up spent media and fine solids from water filled tanks.The vacuum pulls water and the fine solids from the tank and propels itout the exhaust hose and into a transport vessel. Due to the fact thepreferred embodiments of the system have no wear parts in the slurrystream, the pumps and valves only come into contact with fresh water,thereby making maintenance and operating costs very low.

Turning now to the figures, examples of certain embodiments are shownand will be described. FIG. 1 shows one example of a fine solidsrecovery system, which system is designated with reference numeral 10.In this example, the fine solids being recovered will be garnet.However, as mentioned above, the present invention can be used inrecovering other types of spoil as well. The garnet resulting from useis a high pressure cutting system, or other industrial device, isinitially collected in a catch tank 20. As shown in FIG. 1, garnet 22will generally settle out of the liquid 24 (which in this case is water)and will fall to the bottom of the catch tank 20. Embodiments of thepresent invention can be used to recover the garnet by transferring to arecovery vessel where it can be reused or disposed of after beingseparated from any liquid extracted with it.

More specifically, in the FIG. 1 embodiment, there is a high pressurepump 26, which may be the same type of pump used as a pressure washingdevice. The high pressure pump 26 receives a source of fluid, such astap water, and pumps out the fluid at high pressure through highpressure hose 28 and to a pick-wand 30. Thus, the high pressure hose 28has one end that is in fluid communication with the high pressure pump26 and a second end that is in fluid communication with the pick-up wand30. In the preferred embodiments, the suggested pressure range ispreferably between 2500-4500 psi. However, it is contemplated that lowerpressures (such as 1000 psi) or much higher pressures (such as up to10,000 psi, or more) could also be used. Additionally, the high pressurehose 28 is preferably a flexible hose, and may be made of any type ofelastomeric material.

The pick-up wand 30 includes a tube portion 31, which is preferablyrelatively rigid, and which is connected to, and in fluid communicationwith, an inlet end of an exhaust hose 32, which is also preferably madeof a flexible material, such as an elastomer. Additional details of asample configuration of the pick-up wand 30 will be described more fullybelow.

Since exhaust hose 32 will convey a slurry that could include abrasivefine solids, it may be made of a material that is more abrasionresistant than the material of the high pressure hose 28, or it mayinclude an inner lining of abrasion resistant material, if desired.Optionally, one or more additional high pressure line arrangements maybe added, such as at V-shaped connection 33, to provide a boosting forceto help to move the slurry through the exhaust hose 32. Such additionalhigh pressure line arrangements are especially useful in situationswhere the exhaust hose is relatively long, where the exhaust hose mustcarry the slurry to an increased elevation, and/or where the slurrybeing transported is relatively thick and/or heavy.

Specifically, the FIG. 1 embodiment shows one example of the use of anadditional high pressure line arrangement that includes high pressurepump 34, which may be, for example, a pressure washing device, and whichis connected to a source of fluid, such as tap water. High pressure pump34 may be the same as high pressure pump 26, or it may be different,such as being of a lower power.

The additional high pressure pump 34, if utilized, is connected to ahigh pressure hose 36, which is in turn connected to the exhaust hose 32via V-shaped connection 33. Thus, if utilized, the high pressure pump 34pumps high pressure liquid though the high pressure hose 36, anddirectly into the exhaust hose 32 at a location downstream of thepick-up wand 30, thereby forming a boost jet for boosting the force ofthe flow of slurry through the exhaust hose 32.

Preferably, there is a control switch 38 at the point where the highpressure hose 36 meets with the exhaust hose 32. The control switch 38is preferably configured and arranged to enable the user to turn theboost jet on or off. More preferably, the control switch is alsoconfigured and arranged to allow the user to regulate the force of theboost jet.

In addition to the control switch 38, which is provided to regulate theboost jet, a control switch 40 may also be provided to regulate theforce of the high pressure fluid entering the pick-up wand 30. As withboost jet control switch 38, the control switch 40 is configured to atleast turn the flow of high pressure fluid entering pick-up wand 30 onand off, and more preferably the control switch 40 can also allow theuser to regulate the force of the high pressure fluid entering the wand30. Moreover, by providing both control switches (38 and 40), the usercan optimize the forces of the high pressure fluids in the system.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, the outlet end of the exhaust hose 32 ispositioned to deposit the slurry into an oversized tank 42, which servesas the recovery vessel. Preferably, the outlet end of the exhaust hose32 includes a diffuser 44, which diffuses the slurry prior to flowinginto the tank 42, thereby breaking up the flow of garnet, or otherspoil, which aids in the settling of the solids.

The tank 42 of this embodiment includes a tank exhaust pipe 48 thatfluidly connects tank 42 with the catch tank 24 so that fluid can bereturned to the catch tank. Preferably, there is also a weir system 50,which includes a plurality of weir panels arranged in series, forhindering the spoil from passing from the sealed tank 42 and back intothe catch tank 24. Other means of preventing (or at least hindering) thegarnet, or other spoil, from being returned to the catch tank 24 via thetank exhaust pipe 48 are also contemplated as being within the scope ofthe invention, such as the use of a perforated weir or a filter.

During operation of the system, more and more slurry is deposited intosealed tank 42, and the garnet (or other spoil) will tend to separate sothat the garnet (or other spoil) settles at the bottom of the tank withthe liquid located above it. Once the liquid reaches a certain height,it passes over the series of weir panels of the weir system 50, whichpanels serves to remove any remaining spoil from the liquid before itpasses back into to the catch tank 24. Once the level of spoil reaches acertain height, such as the level of the weir system 50, the spoiltherein can be disposed of or recycled.

Oversize containers with large surface areas, such as tank 42 of FIG. 1,as well as other larger tanks with built-in weirs or settling areas,when used in combination with return drains can be the most efficientway to recover large amounts of spent media if the user also has theability handle, move and dump such very heavy, large containers. Thelarge surface area, or the addition of several weirs or settling areas,will allow the user to use high flow rates and still achieve goodsettling of solids with high efficiency. With the larger tanks, a usercould use one or more boost jets and/or larger wands and still achievegood settling. When full, a user will need a method to move and dump thevery heavy oversize containers, some of which can weigh 5,000 to 10,000pounds.

In addition to the manual operation described above, automated operationof one or more pick-up wands is also contemplated. For example, one ormore pick-up wands could each be attached to a moving track (or othermechanism capable of moving the wands), and the system could beconfigured and arranged to automatically move the wand(s) along a fixedpath to extract the spoil from a catch tank. Such a system could operateon a timer, or it could be triggered when the spoil reaches a certainlevel, or when a user manually starts the process.

One important feature of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention is the manner in which the vacuum is created in the pick-upwand. Accordingly, FIGS. 2-5 have been provided to explain someadditional details of one embodiment of the pick-up wand 30. Asmentioned above, the high pressure hose 28 is operatively connected to asource of high pressure fluid, such as the high pressure pump 26 (FIG.1). As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the high pressure hose 28 includes anoutlet end 54 through which high pressure fluid exits the hose andenters a nozzle portion 56 of the pick-up wand 30. Connected to theupper portion of the nozzle 56 is a tube 58, which is configured andarranged to transport the slurry mixture drawn-up through the nozzle 56.As shown in FIG. 2, the tube 58, which is preferably relatively rigid,is connected to the exhaust hose 32. Further, the tube 58 alsopreferably extends along a straight line, and preferably has a generallycircular cross-section, although other cross-sections, such as oval, andothers, are also contemplated as being within the scope of theinvention. Additionally, it is also contemplated that tube 58 couldinclude one or more bent portions, instead of being completely straight.If such bent portion(s) are included, it is preferably to have themlocated at a point at least slightly away from nozzle 56, so that thevacuum force created by the fluid exiting the outlet end 54 of highpressure hose 28 is maximized.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet end 54 of the high pressure hose 28 ispositioned, with respect to the nozzle 56 and tube 58, to provide highpressure fluid into the tube 58, via the nozzle 56. Such a configurationcreates a vacuum within the nozzle 56 for conveying the slurry mixturethrough the nozzle 56 and into the tube 58, and then through the exhausthose 32. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, the outlet end 54 of the highpressure hose 28 directs the high pressure liquid along a relativelystraight path that is coincident with a central axis of the tube 58.

One important feature of this embodiment of the pick-up wand 30 is thatthe outlet end 54 of the high pressure hose 28 is located adjacent abend in the flowpath F of the slurry mixture through the nozzle 56.Accordingly, the outlet end 54 of the high pressure hose 28 is notwithin the flowpath, and therefore it does not disrupt the flow of theslurry mixture through the nozzle 56.

The nozzle 56 preferably includes a screen member 60, such as shown inthe exploded view of FIG. 4, which in this embodiment has a relativelyopen grid pattern. Such a screen member 60 is used to break-up largeclusters of fine solids prior to entering the tube 58, or to preventsuch large clusters from passing further if they cannot be broken up.The screen 60 may be attached to the nozzle 56 by screwing it into, orotherwise attaching it to, the pair of screen attachment members 61shown in FIG. 4. Of course, other ways of attaching the screen to thenozzle are also contemplated, such as through the use of tabs.

FIG. 4 shows one example of how the nozzle 56 may be composed ofseparate pieces of metal or plastic, for example, that are adheredtogether in any known manner, such as with an adhesive or utilizingwelding. More specifically, a nozzle rear portion 62 (also shown in FIG.5), may be formed of a plastic pipe, such as PVC pipe, by creating anupper cut-out portion 64 and a lower cut-out portion 66 therein.Returning now to FIG. 4, this figure shows side pieces 68 of the nozzle56, which may be formed of flat plastic pieces of a generally triangularshape. As with the nozzle rear portion 62, a front face piece 70 of thenozzle 56 may also be formed from a plastic pipe, such as PVC pipe,which in this case has been cut in half to create a semi-circularcross-section. The nozzle member 56 preferably also includes a lowerring member 72, for securing the outlet end 54 of the high pressure hose28 within the nozzle 56, and an upper ring member 74 for connecting thenozzle 56 to the tube 58. Although FIG. 4 shows how one embodiment ofthe nozzle 56 may be formed by modifying and connecting easily availablestock parts (such as PVC piping, plastic sheets, etc.), it is alsocontemplated that the nozzle could be molded or cast as a singlecomponent, or as two components (such as with the screen being attachedto a main body component).

The basic operation of the system of FIG. 1 will be described next. Theexhaust hose 32, which is connected to the pick-up wand 30, ispositioned so that its open end can be emptied into the recovery vessel,which in this embodiment is the oversized tank 42. The pick-up wand 30is placed in the catch tank 20 and positioned so the nozzle portion 56is just above the garnet 22 (or other spent media). A fresh water supplyis hooked to the high pressure pump 26 (which may be a pressure washeror other source for creating high pressure liquid). If one or moreoptional boost jets are used, a fresh water supply is also attached toone or more additional pressure washers (such as high pressure pump 34),or other sources of creating high pressure fluid.

Next, the primary high pressure pump 34 is turned on with the firstcontrol switch 40 in the closed (off) position. When ready, the operatorturns the first control switch 40 to the open (on) position, therebyallowing the vacuum action to start. As the slurry and fine solids beginto be picked up with the tank water, the operator allows the nozzle 56of the pick-up wand 30 to be pulled into the spent media pile 22. Thissystem 10 will allow the user to adjust flow rates with the controlvalve 40, and to extract high volumes of fine solids, garnet, spoil ormedia directly from the loaded tank 20, without a need to agitate tosuspend the material in the tank water 24.

To aid in the recovery of especially heavy, sludge-like media or largersolids that have the ability to slow down or choke off the recoveryprocess, the optional second jet is opened via control switch 38 toincrease the flow through the exhaust hose 32. Since the second jet iswell down the exhaust hose 32, it gives the system the added powerneeded to lift thicker or heavier media and to pull it through withoutchoking or plugging. The second in-line jet, which is positioned withrespect to the flowpath in a similar manner to the primary jet, createsextra vacuum, and thus eliminates the choking or flow slow down that canaccumulate solids in low sections of the exhaust hose 32 and can causeplugging. Another advantage of having one or more added jets down linefrom first jet at the pick-up wand 30 is the increased ability to liftthe spoil higher (taller head) or to transport the spoil longerdistances. The two or more control switches (38 and 40) allow the userto adjust each high pressure pump (34, 26) to get the best flow rate.The control switches 38 and 40 are adjusted to find the best flow ratethat will keep solids moving in the exhaust hose 32, and will stillallow the highest percentage of solids to settle before overflowing thetank 42. Control of the flow rates can greatly increase recovery.Operation continues as long as desired, or until the level of spoilreaches a certain height, such as the level of the weir system 50, atwhich point the spoil therein can be disposed of or recycled.

Turning now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present recovery systemis shown and will be described. The primary difference between thesystem of FIG. 6 and the FIG. 1 system involves the type of recoveryvessel. Accordingly, similar components to those of the FIG. 1embodiment will use the same reference numbers, and such like componentscommon to both embodiments need not be described again.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, the recovery vessel is a drum 80 that has beenfitted with a custom designed lid 82. The drum 80 can be a standard 55gallon steel drum, with no modifications, or it could be any other typeof similar container. The lid 82 is preferably based on a standard lid,which, as known in the art, has a gasket (not shown) and a locking band(not shown) that can be sealed to the drum 80. To the standard lid 82,an intake container 84 is mounted thereon, and the intake container 84is sealed to the lid 82. For example, the intake container 84 could besized similar to the size of a five gallon container.

The intake container 84 has an open bottom center portion that matches agrill plate 86 that is also attached and sealed to the drum lid 82. Thediffuser 44 and exhaust end of the exhaust hose 32 is placed through anaperture in the upper portion of the intake container 84. The grillplate 86 has an extended sleeve 86A that projects below the drum lid 82for a certain distance, such as between three and six inches, forexample.

Preferably, the intake container 84 is attached to the drum lid 82 in anoff-center manner, near one edge of the lid. Directly opposite thecontainer 84 is an exhaust pipe 48, which may be in the form of anelbow. When placed next to the catch tank 20, the exhaust elbow 48, withits extended horizontal tube, is easy to clean and provides forsplash-free recovery. The exhaust elbow 48 preferably has a flange 88and an extended sleeve 90 that extends down through a corresponding holein the drum lid 82. Located between the intake container sleeve 86A andthe exhaust elbow sleeve 90, both of which extend down into the tank 80,there is a extended vertical perforated divider 92 that acts as aperforated weir to aid in solid recovery.

In operation, the slurry that is pumped from the catch tank 20 firstimpacts the in-line diffuser 44 in the intake container 84, then itflows down through the grill plate 86 and through the extended intakecontainer sleeve 86A and into the bottom of the drum 80, where thesolids settle. As the drum 80 fills with water, the overflow water exitsthrough the exhaust elbow 48 when a certain volume has accumulated. Inthe early stages of operation, the flowpath of the water is under theperforated weir 92, which is a relatively long path that allows for thesolids to settle. However, as the solids build up in the bottom of thedrum 80, and reach the bottom of perforated weir 92, the flow changesdirection to flow through the perforated weir 92, where the weirprevents the solids from passing into exhaust elbow 48 (which is arelatively shorter flow path).

Optionally, there is a float 94 that hangs below the level of the drumlid 82 to let the user determine when the drum 80 is full. The user caneasily learn the level of spoil in the sealed drum 80 by pushing down ona drum rod 96. For example, the rod 96 can be several inches long, whenit can only be moved an inch or so downward (because further movement isblocked by spoil), the user can tell that the drum 80 is full. When thedrum 80 is full, the lid 82 on the full drum is removed and, if needed,the same lid 82 can be placed on a new drum for collecting more spoil.Using the sealed drum is a clean, low-cost way to collect spoil.

Turning now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present invention isshown and will be described. The primary difference between the systemof FIG. 7 and the FIG. 1 system involves the type of recovery vessel.Accordingly, similar components to those of the FIG. 1 embodiment willuse the same reference numbers, and such like components common to bothembodiments need not be described again.

The FIG. 7 embodiment includes a filter-type device 98 in which thespoil is separated from the liquid before the liquid enters the recoveryvessel 100. Filter-type devices can use low cost materials, such as sewncloth or burlap bags, supported in a metal transport frame or otherstructure. For example, FIG. 7 shows one embodiment that includes afilter 102, which in this example is made of a plurality of burlap bags,that is placed in frame 104, which in this example is made of metal rodsformed into a basket shape. The frame 104 is placed on top of the tank100 where recovery is needed, and the filter 102 (i.e., the burlap bags)is placed inside the frame 104. The end of the exhaust hose 32(preferably with a diffuser 44 attached thereto) is placed within thefilter 102. Preferably, the filter 102 is wired shut, with the exhausthose 32 extending out of the top.

In operation, the recovery system described above pumps the slurry intothe filter 102, the excess water drains through the burlap or othercloth, and the solids settle within the filter. With the garnet (orother spoil) removed, the liquid flowing through the filter 102 and intovessel 100 is primarily clear water. When the filter 102 is full ofspoil, the frame 104 allows for easy lifting by a crane or fork truck,and the frame/filter combination can then be transported to an areawhere the filter can be separated from the frame. Then, the full filter102 can be deposited into a garbage dumpster (or other place fordisposal), or for use later. Finally, the frame 104 can be returned tothe use position to be filled with additional spoil after receiving asnew filter.

In addition to the recovery tanks mentioned above (such as an oversizedtank 42 and a sealed drum 80), the present system may also be used withother types of recovery tanks. For example, an open-top tank or drum mayalso be used. Such open-top tanks are probably the simplest types ofrecovery vessels. One advantage of such containers is that it is easy tosee when the container is full. With an open-top tank, the user simplyplaces the drum or tank on the grate where over flow will splash backinto the media tank. Because the tanks are simple, and may not do a goodjob of allowing solids to settle before overflow, efficiency will not beas good as with some other recovery vessels, and they will not be asclean as some other listed vessels either. The results can be improvedby adding a diffuser to the exhaust hose end, as well as by adjustingthe control valve to slow down the flow rate, which will aid in settlingof the spoil.

Additionally, it is also contemplated that the present recovery systemcould be used with a recovery vessel that includes a cyclone, or othercentrifugal system, for separating the spoil from the liquid in therecovery tank. Such a system would, most likely, be more expensive thansome of the other systems described, but it may result in improved spoilseparation, especially for very high volume users.

The present invention also has uses outside of an industrialenvironment. For example, since the system is relatively portable andhas low initial costs, but it is still capable of creating very highvacuum with high volume water flow, the present system could be used asa specialized dredging system for mining or other applications. As oneexample, FIG. 8 shows how the present invention could be used for goldmining. In such a system, a diver could work the bottom of a stream torecover placer gold that is often found in areas where gold miningceased years ago. In such environments, gold can be found buried deep inthe cracks within or between rocks, where the heavy metal has settled inareas where the current is slow, such as at a bend in the stream.

More specifically, FIG. 8 shows a recovery system 10′, which includesmany of the same components as system 10 of FIG. 1 (such as highpressure pump 26, high pressure hose 28, pick-up wand 30, first controlswitch 40, second high pressure pump 34, second high pressure hose 36,and second control switch 38). Such similar components will be numberedusing the same reference numbers as in FIG. 1, and need not be discussedhere again in detail.

One difference between the system 10′ of FIG. 8 and system 10 of FIG. 1is that in FIG. 8, the fresh water supply for pumps 26 and 34 comesdirectly from stream 110 instead of from the tap. Accordingly, suchwater could be supplied to pumps 26 and 34 (which are preferablygas-powered) via trash pump 112. Preferably, there is a filter 114, orother blocking device, that prevents rocks and other debris fromentering the trash pump 112. Another difference is that in the dredgingsystem of FIG. 8, the outlet end of the exhaust hose is not placed in arecovery tank, but is instead directed to a sluice box 116, where thewater flow could be used to separate the gold, if present, from thelighter solids.

The system of FIG. 8 has a big advantage over many other dredgingsystems because the high pressure pumps 26 and 34, in combination withthe single pick-up wand 30, creates very high vacuum pressure, whichgives the system 10′ the ability to lift heavy fines and nuggets,without requiring the removal of large rocks.

Other uses of the system besides those shown and described above arealso contemplated as being within the scope of the invention. Forexample, instead of using the off-site version of the system shown inFIG. 8 for mining metals, it could be used for filling sand bags, suchas those used in emergency flooding situations. The flood waters couldbe used as the water source, if desired, or tap water could be used, ifavailable. The spoil extracted could be the sand/soil from the riverbedor lakebed. Such a configuration could be very similar to that of FIG.8, except instead of having the exhaust hose deposit the slurry into asluice box 116, it would be deposited into a bag (not shown), such asthe typical sandbags made of burlap or polypropylene (as long as thepolypropylene is somewhat porous, to allow for the spoil to be separatedfrom the liquid). The bag material would then act ad the filter,allowing the fluid to pass through while retaining the sand/soiltherein. The filed sandbags could then be stacked or other wise used inany known manner for flood control or other desired use. Such as systemis much easier than manually filling the sandbags, and provides anefficient, effective, on-site way of creating sandbags at the locationwhere they are to be used.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed, it should be understood that other modifications,substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art. Such modifications, substitutions and alternatives can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, whichshould be determined from the appended claims.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

1. A fine solids recovery system comprising; a high pressure pump; apick-up wand configured and arranged to be inserted into a body ofliquid containing fine solids therein; a high pressure hose having oneend that is in fluid communication with said high pressure pump and asecond end that is in fluid communication with said pick-up wand; and anexhaust hose that is in fluid communication with said pick-up wand,wherein said high pressure pump pumps high pressure liquid though saidhigh pressure hose and into said pick-up wand to create a vacuum withinsaid pick-up wand, thereby drawing up a slurry of the liquid containingfine solids therein into said pick-up wand and then through said exhausthose.
 2. The fine solids recovery system according to claim 1, whereinsaid high pressure liquid is water at a pressure within a range ofapproximately 2500 to 4500 psi.
 3. The fine solids recovery systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a second high pressure pump;and a second high pressure hose attached to said second high pressurepump, wherein said second high pressure pump pumps high pressure liquidthough said second high pressure hose and directly into said exhausthose at a location downstream of said pick-up wand, thereby boosting theforce of the flow of slurry through said exhaust hose.
 4. The finesolids recovery system according to claim 1, further comprising arecovery vessel that is in fluid connection with an outlet end of saidexhaust hose.
 5. The fine solids recovery system according to claim 4,wherein said recovery vessel includes a filter for separating the finesolids from the slurry.
 6. The solids recovery system according to claim1, further comprising: a wire basket; a cloth filter seated within saidwire basket, said cloth filter being configured and arranged to separatefine solid from the slurry; a recovery vessel that is in fluidcommunication with an outlet end of said exhaust hose, whereby theslurry passes from said exhaust hose, through said cloth filter whereinthe fine solids are captured, and into said recovery vessel.
 7. The finesolids recovery system according to claim 4, wherein said recoveryvessel comprises: a tank; a tank exhaust pipe that fluidly connects saidtank and the body of liquid; and a weir system for hindering fine solidsfrom passing from said tank into said tank exhaust pipe.
 8. The finesolids recovery system according to claim 7, wherein said weir systemincludes a perforated weir.
 9. The fine solids recovery system accordingto claim 7, wherein said weir system is comprised of a plurality of weirpanels arranged in series.
 10. The fine solids recovery system accordingto claim 1, further comprising: a trash pump that is configured andarranged to receive low pressure liquid from a stream though a lowpressure hose; and a sluice table, wherein: said high pressure pump isconfigured and arranged to receive low pressure liquid from said trashpump through an intermediate hose; said pick-up wand is configured andarranged to draw up slurry from the same stream that said trash pumpreceives liquid from; and said exhaust hose includes an outlet thatdirects the slurry toward said sluice table.
 11. A method of recoveringfine solids from a fluid, the method comprising the following steps:inserting a pick-up wand into a catch tank that holds a slurry of thefluid and the fine solids, wherein the pick-up wand is attached to anexhaust hose that extends between a first end that is in fluidcommunication with the pick-up wand and a second end that is in fluidcommunication with a recovery vessel; flowing high pressure liquidthrough a high pressure hose and into the exhaust hose, via the pick-upwand, to create vacuum pressure within the pick-up wand; drawing up theslurry, which includes some of the fine solids along with some of thefluid, from the catch tank into the pick-up wand via the vacuumpressure; and conveying the drawn-up slurry through the exhaust hose andinto the recovery vessel.
 12. The method according to claim 11, whereinduring said step of flowing high pressure liquid to create pressurewithin the pick-up wand, the high pressure liquid is directed in anaxial direction of a tube portion of the pick-up wand, but withouthaving any portion of any piping that conveys the high pressure liquidto the pick-up wand disrupt the flow of the slurry through the pick-upwand.
 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein during said step offlowing high pressure liquid to create pressure within the pick-up wand,the high pressure liquid is directed in an axial direction of a tubeportion of the pick-up wand, as well as being directed into a centralportion of the tube.
 14. The method according to claim 11, furthercomprising a step of flowing high pressure liquid through a second highpressure hose and into a portion of the exhaust hose at a locationdownstream of the pick-up wand, thereby boosting the force of the flowof slurry through the exhaust hose.
 15. A pick-up wand comprising: ahigh pressure hose operatively connected to a source of high pressurefluid, said high pressure hose including an outlet end through whichhigh pressure fluid exits said high pressure hose; a tube configured andarranged to transport a slurry mixture; and a nozzle connected to aninlet end of said tube, said nozzle being configured and arranged tocollect a slurry mixture and to pass said slurry mixture into said tube;wherein said outlet end of said high pressure hose is positioned, withrespect to said tube and said nozzle, to provide high pressure fluidinto said tube, thereby creating a vacuum within said nozzle forconveying the slurry mixture through said nozzle and into said tube, andfurther wherein said outlet end of said high pressure hose is locatedadjacent a bend in a flowpath of the slurry mixture through said nozzle,whereby said outlet end of said high pressure hose does not disrupt theflow of the slurry mixture through said nozzle.
 16. The pick-up wandaccording to claim 15, wherein said tube is relatively rigid, andextends along a straight line, and further wherein said tube isconfigured and arranged to attached to a relatively flexible exhausthose.
 17. The pick-up wand according to claim 16, wherein said outletend of said high pressure hose directs the high pressure liquid along arelatively straight path coincident with a central axis of said tube.18. The pick-up wand according to claim 15, further comprising a screenpositioned within said nozzle.
 19. The pick-up wand according to claim15, further comprising a control valve attached to said tube, whereinsaid control valve is configured and arranged to turn the flow of highpressure fluid on and off.
 20. The pick-up wand according to claim 15,wherein the high pressure fluid is water.
 21. The method according toclaim 11, wherein: the recovery vessel used during said conveying stepis a sandbag; and the catch tank used during said inserting step is oneof a river or lake.